What Are the Differences Between Supplemental Security Income and Disability Benefits?

If You Are Eligible For SSI, Our Philadelphia Law Firm Can Help

If you have a mental or physical disability that makes it impossible for you to work and support yourself and your family, there are benefits supplied by the government for which you can apply. Depending on your particular circumstances, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits or for Supplemental Security Income. At Larry Pitt & Associates, we can help you apply for either one. We have been a trusted name in Philadelphia Social Security Disability law firms for the last 35 years, and we have the skills and the resources you want on your side. If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible for SSD or SSI, we want to hear from you.

What is Supplemental Security Income?

Unlike Social Security Disability, which is available for people who have paid into the system for at least five years, SSI is a federal benefits program available only to individuals with limited incomes or assets. People over the age of 65 may also be eligible, even if they are not disabled.

What are the Differences Between SSD and SSI?

The main difference comes with your work history and income: if you put money into Social Security, then you may be eligible for SSD benefits. But there are other differences too, such as:

Age restrictions. Adults and children may be eligible for SSI, but only working adults can apply for SSD.

Benefit amounts. SSI is based on laws passed by the Pennsylvania and federal governments. SSD payments are based on how much money you contributed.

Family benefits. These are available for people on SSD but not for people who collect SSI.

Income limits. There is no income or asset limit when you apply for Social Security Disability, but there are limits to both for SSI. With SSI, all other forms of income may affect your benefits, whereas that it not necessarily the case with SSD.

Living arrangements. If someone new moves into your household, you must report it to the SSA if you receive Supplemental Security Income, whereas you do not have to report it if you collect disability benefits. Where you live also affects your SSI payments.

Medicare is available to eligible individuals collecting disability, but those collecting Supplemental Security Incomes in Philadelphia are eligible for Medicaid.

What the two programs do have in common, though, is that both are designed to help the ill and injured protect themselves. A long-term or permanent disability can make it impossible for you to stay financially secure; these packages make sure that you can take care of yourself. The list of mental and physical impairments is very similar for both programs, though some exceptions do apply.

Help for Disabled Pennsylvania Residents in Need of Financial Assistance

Larry Pitt & Associates offers compassionate and comprehensive legal support and counsel to the disabled in Philadelphia and beyond. If you have questions about your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income, please call 888-PITT-LAW or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. With multiple office locations serving Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County, we are always nearby when you need us.

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